Chamber of Commerce pledges $1,000 for Fourth of July fireworks presentation

June 22, 2011

Last week, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce presented a check for $1,000 to the “Friends of 4th of July Fireworks” show to ensure that the celebration will be a spectacular success.

The chamber, along with many other island businesses and individuals wanted to be sure that our guests and residents can enjoy a traditional Fourth of July celebration in true Sanibel style.

The show, which takes place in less than two weeks, will be a major draw for tourists and islanders. The fireworks, which begin at dusk, will be launched from the foot of Bailey’s Road on the bay side and is sure to draw an even bigger crowd than the thousands that attended last year’s show.

“The fireworks show has been around for years, and we want to help keep it that way,” said Chamber of Commerce President Ric Base. “Our visitors, and our residents, have been planning their celebrations for months and the fireworks show is an integral part of their plans. We have all seen the appeals for financial donations in the newspapers over the past month or so and the Board of the Chamber of Commerce made the decision to make this substantial contribution to secure this event."

This is the second year that Sharon and Judy Michie have headed up the “Friends” campaign after the fireworks were cut from the City of Sanibel's municipal budget in 2009. The chamber plays a key role in facilitating communication and cooperation between business, residents and government, and is proud to sponsor this event.

To encourage more pledges, the Chamber of Commerce is featuring the “Friends of the 4th of July” in it e-Blast and e-Connect to more than 700 of its chamber members.

If you are unable to give but still want to support the "Friends" effort, please visit www.bringbackthe4th.com and answer a short quiz to earn points that could help win a grant from Liberty Mutual. The towns with the most points win money towards a fireworks celebration.